Two weeks birding in central and southern Portugal

We start off by staying in a recuperated windmill in the Arrabida Natural Park overlooking the Sado estuary.

Here we'll be exploring either the Tagus or Sado Estuaries, (or both, time permitting), before heading inland where we visit several cracking sites like a Griffon Vulture breeding colony and various inland lakes that attract a wide variety of species in this dry landscape.

We base ourselves in the castle town of Marvão exploring the Serra de São Mamede, where the northern Iberian flora and habitat changes to the southern, before visiting the stunning Barragem do Caia which has one of the largest breeding colonies of Night Herons anywhere in Portugal.

Following our stay in Marvão we move on to the Herdade de Maroteira, where we take time to visit the Cork forests and have a wine tasting at this renowned vineyard before moving on for a second week staying at Quinta do Barranco da Estrada, Birding-in-Portugal's "head office".

But it's not just Nature and birds that we have the pleasure of here for there's plenty to do on "days off" or if the weather is inclement. For example, near Marvão there's the Roman town of Ammaia whose history dates back 2,000 years and nearby Elvas is not only a World Heritage site, but also boasts some of the finest examples of 17th century Star Forts anywhere in the world.

This trip is obviously much in demand, especially by photographers. The whole two weeks includes 7 full days Guided Birding and three half days with all transport, accommodation and food provided for between your arrival and departure from the country.

We can really do no more than quote a guest's comments regarding this extension to our "Standard Week",

"Our Week in the Northern Alentejo provided Spanish Imperial Eagles, Golden Eagles, Black Storks, Black Vultures and an "Out of Africa" experience watching 30 Griffon Vultures just a mere 20 meters away tearing into a carcass! Our elegantly appointed room and delicious meals at Marvao's Castle was an unexpected luxury. Finding Blue Rock Thrush, Rock Bunting and nesting Black Vultures was exciting, too! It would have been sad to have missed out on what this trip adds to the Lower Alentejo."